Hoseless Nailers

Fire When Ready: Hoseless nailers continue to improve, bringing us closer to compresser-free jobsites. Here's a look at the latest unplugged framers and finish nailers.

Specs are provided by each manufacturer and are not verified by Tools of the Trade.

Hitachi

Working Weight

Shots Per Batt. Charge

Nail Type

Shots Per Canister

Nail Range

NR90GC

7.7 pounds

4,000

31-degree clipped

1,200

2?3-1/2 inches .113?.131 inch

StoryID

501496

ToolNumber

1

ComponentId

tcm:78-1627539

Tester Comments The Hitachi nailers are the best of the bunch, with the longest nail capacity of up to 3-1/2 inches. The full rubber-coated handle provides a superior grip, and the tool had the best balance and feel. The sturdy, foldaway rafter hook is nice. The manual makes no mention of filter cleaning being required regular maintenance. Internal cleaning is only mentioned on the company's Web site, though a reference will soon be added to the owner's manual. A tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment would be a nice addition.

Tester Comments The Hitachi nailers are the best of the bunch, with the longest nail capacity of up to 3-1/2 inches. The full rubber-coated handle provides a superior grip, and the tool had the best balance and feel. The sturdy, foldaway rafter hook is nice. The manual makes no mention of filter cleaning being required regular maintenance. Internal cleaning is only mentioned on the company's Web site, though a reference will soon be added to the owner's manual. A tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment would be a nice addition.

Tester Comments The Max nailers are solid performers. They are essentially the same tools as the Powers models. They feature the best tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment and have easy filter access for routine maintenance. The belt hook is reversible, and the head has protective rubber surrounding the bottom. The hard plastic hand grips were not as comfortable to use. The Max tools are the only ones that come with non-marring tip covers. The owner's manual is a bit sparse with no reference to altitude restrictions or the comprehensive cleaning cycle detailed on the Web site.

Tester Comments The Max nailers are solid performers. They are essentially the same tools as the Powers models. They feature the best tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment and have easy filter access for routine maintenance. The belt hook is reversible, and the head has protective rubber surrounding the bottom. The hard plastic hand grips were not as comfortable to use. The Max tools are the only ones that come with non-marring tip covers. The owner's manual is a bit sparse with no reference to altitude restrictions or the comprehensive cleaning cycle detailed on the Web site.

Tester Comments This is a proven, capable tool. It features a good rubber-topped handle and a unique three-position rafter/belt hook. The tool-free filter access is handy, but the depth-of-drive action was hard to work. The manual is the most informative and the cleaning instructions were clear.

Tester Comments The Powers nailers are essentially the same as the Max tools with the exception of Max's non-marring tip covers. They feature the best tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment and have easy filter access for routine maintenance. The belt hook is reversible, and the head has protective rubber surrounding the bottom. The hard plastic hand grips were not as comfortable to use. Powers doesn't include comprehensive cleaning cycle instructions in its manual or on its Web site.

Tester Comments The Powers nailers are essentially the same as the Max tools with the exception of Max's non-marring tip covers. They feature the best tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment and have easy filter access for routine maintenance. The belt hook is reversible, and the head has protective rubber surrounding the bottom. The hard plastic hand grips were not as comfortable to use. Powers doesn't include comprehensive cleaning cycle instructions in its manual or on its Web site.

Tester Comments This trim favorite is full of useful features, such as a selective-fire switch, six-position numbered depth-of-drive dial, manual lockout switch, and two LED headlights. It was a real performer, especially in bump-fire mode, but its larger battery made it the heaviest and a bit cumbersome.

Tester Comments These Paslode nailers handle a lot more like pneumatics and have the best balance and feel by far. Both have integral snap-off noses for jam clearing and unique rubber-tipped triggers, and are respectable performers. They lost points because of the extra cost and cleaning maintenance necessitated by their gas-fueled power. The lack of bump-firing ability is also an important consideration when using these as primary nailers.

Tester Comments These Paslode nailers handle a lot more like pneumatics and have the best balance and feel by far. Both have integral snap-off noses for jam clearing and unique rubber-tipped triggers, and are respectable performers. They lost points because of the extra cost and cleaning maintenance necessitated by their gas-fueled power. The lack of bump-firing ability is also an important consideration when using these as primary nailers.

Tester Comments Senco had the preferred brad nailer and the lone 15-gauge nailer of our test. Both feature an innovative all-in-one selective-fire button and depth-of-drive dial. Like other battery nailers, they felt heavy in use. The 15-gauge tool has tool-free jam clearing, but the 18-gauge requires a hex wrench. The 18-gauge nailer shot slightly longer brads than the other brad nailer in the test.

Tester Comments Senco had the preferred brad nailer and the lone 15-gauge nailer of our test. Both feature an innovative all-in-one selective-fire button and depth-of-drive dial. Like other battery nailers, they felt heavy in use. The 15-gauge tool has tool-free jam clearing, but the 18-gauge requires a hex wrench. The 18-gauge nailer shot slightly longer brads than the other brad nailer in the test.